LeBron James announces $1 million grant to his I Promise School

LeBron James made an unannounced visit on Friday to Akron, Ohio, and the Los Angeles Lakers superstar delivered some fantastic news on behalf of his I Promise School.

James, during an appearance at his alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, revealed that the I Promise School is the benefactor of a $1 million grant from Dick’s Sporting Goods and its Sports Matter initiative. The funds will be used for the construction of a gymnasium that will be used for physical education, after-school programs and the like.

In a press release announcing the grant, James indicated the money will help “address the funding crisis” that plagues many schools’ sports-related budgets.

“To my kids, this is more than a gym,” James said. “The Dick’s Sports Matter program is helping us provide even more opportunities. An opportunity to play and learn in a safe place that many don’t have access to. I can’t imagine where my friends and I would be if it weren’t for the coaches and teachers who cared about us and the opportunities we had.”

James’ I Promise School has been a resounding, runaway success, earning deserved and wide acclaim. James’ contributions to the school elicited praise from Barack and Michelle Obama over his dedication to the education initiatives championed by the school.

In April, James was named to Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2019 list, and the honor was mostly attributed to his integral role in getting the I Promise School off the ground and up and running. James admitted to being “honored and humbled” by the recognition.